New band director to host band camp; hold auditions for Dancing Dolls and flag corp.

July 20, 2015 – Fort Valley State University musicians can sharpen their musical and marching skills at an upcoming camp designed for new and current Blue Machine Marching Band members. The university is hosting its Fall 2015 Band Camp Sunday, Aug. 9 until Sunday, Aug. 16 in Patton Hall. During the camp, students can meet the university’s new director of bands, Jonathan Thompson.

Thompson said he’s hosting auditions for the Dancing Dolls on July 25 at 1 p.m. in Patton Hall’s band hall. Auditions for the Blue Pearls flag corp. will be held on Aug. 1 at 1 p.m. in the same location.

“Band camp is for preparation for the season,” said Jonathan Thompson, FVSU’s new director of bands. “They will get a chance to learn new music and work on the other needed skills.”

Thompson explained new students will have to undergo a physical to ensure they are in good medical condition to march on the field. They will also need to fill out an insurance liability form once they arrive.

The new director of bands says he hopes to recruit more than 75 students to participate in this year’s camp and band.

Orientation day for FVSU’s Band Camp is Sunday, August 9. Thompson will speak to incoming freshmen and their parents about the university’s band program and the requirements for student participants.

During the two-week camp, musicians practice new songs for the upcoming Wildcat football season on and off the field. They will also undergo field rehearsal conditioning and perfect marching fundamentals. Participants will be housed on campus in FVSU dormitories. There is no price to attend FVSU’s Band Camp.

Additionally, the university will provide free instruments to most musicians, except for woodwind and brass players who will need to bring their personal instruments.

Band members planning to attend the camp are asked to email Thompson to confirm (RSVP) their attendance atjonathanthompsonFVSU@gmail.com.

For additional details, contact Marketing and Communications at (478) 825-6319 or e-mail jonathanthompsonFVSU@gmail.com